Read the full article originally published in the December 2018 issue of Modern Steel Construction here.
Overview
Moore Experts Karim Zulfiqar and Jessalyn Nelson discuss the use of structural steel in the creation of a “floating” structure at Abilene Christian University in the December 2018 issue of Modern Steel Construction.
“Having column free lobby spaced allowed the student and faculty to enjoy the common space with a lot of flexibility and that was the goal,” explains Zulfiqar. “We pushed the structural system to mitigate load and vibration challenges without compromising on the open concept design.”
“Architect Perkins+Will worked with ACU to develop a striking exterior and a column-free interior lobby space, and structural engineer Walter P Moore (WPM) designed a framing system to support this vision. The three-story building, which opened last year, incorporates a steel braced frame lateral system, with the roof and high roof—the latter a combination of transfer girders and long cantilevers separated from the regular roof by few feet—also framed with steel; 550 tons of structural steel was used in all. The project employed the integrated project delivery method, the first for steel fabricator Basden Steel, who was brought in early to provide expertise on material procurement, connection design and constructability”
“Walter P Moore pursued innovative structural solutions to deliver a meaningful space for the client,” adds Nelson. “At ACU, the design and construction teams closely collaborated for stunning results—a striking facade and column-free lobby space that provides students and faculty with flexibility and functionality.”
